Date: Fri, 21 May 1999 08:23:54 -0400
Subject: 3-Spring Clutches
From: Chris L Johnson 


On Thu, 20 May 1999 16:43:47 EDT JETStudio "at" aol.com writes:
>Chris,
>
>My clutch finger sometimes gets really tired in tedious sections to 
>the point  that it actually causes an occasional "timing" problem and gets me 
>into  trouble. I actually think I might avoid a dab or two if I can make it 
>a little easier to pull.
>
>Your comment about clutches with 6 springs (like my Beta) really got 
>my  attention. If I understood you correctly, one can actually remove 
>three of  them? This doesn't cause a slipping problem? I'm thinking it might be 
>just  the thing, if I can get away with it. (I'm riding Intermediate, so
>we're not  dealing with 3rd gear splatters or anything here). Might it also help 
>with  the stiction problem? If 3 seems too many, is it just as possible to 
>remove only 2?
>
>Thanks!
>
>JET

You have to keep forces on the pressure plate balanced, so two won't work
(for 2 to work, you'd need a 4 or 8-spring clutch).  

Service the clutch by roughing the plates (less likely to slip).  Then
try only three springs, taking out every other one so they are balanced. 
Then rid the bike and see if she holds.  Obviously, if you can't do a 4th
gear hill climb ever due to slippage (never mind the splatters) it's not
an option.  But, if you aren't using max power in higher gears 98% of the
time, a little slippage on rare occasions may be worth the gain in hand
endurance.

Try the shorty-style AJP levers.  I just put them on my Scorpa and they
have saved my butt, er uh, hand, making a bid at Expert at least a
possibility with my "ET" left hand.

Chris Johnson, Director of Engineering
College Park Industries, Inc.
papazit "at" juno.com (home address)
chris "at" college-park.com
www.college-park.com